11/18/04.SPECTER SUPPORT--Outgoing Chairman Orrin G. Hatch, R-Utah, puts his arm around Sen. Arlen Specter, R-Pa., at the end of a news conference in which Senate Judiciary Republicans announced their unanimous support for Specter as their next chairman. From CQ.com: "We are definitely supporting Arlen Specter for this position," said Orrin G. Hatch, R-Utah, who is being forced by six-year GOP term limits to relinquish the chairmanship. "He will be the chairman of the Senate...more »

11/18/04.SPECTER SUPPORT--Outgoing Chairman Orrin G. Hatch, R-Utah, puts his arm around Sen. Arlen Specter, R-Pa., at the end of a news conference in which Senate Judiciary Republicans announced their unanimous support for Specter as their next chairman. From CQ.com: "We are definitely supporting Arlen Specter for this position," said Orrin G. Hatch, R-Utah, who is being forced by six-year GOP term limits to relinquish the chairmanship. "He will be the chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee.".Social conservatives have bombarded Senate Republicans with demands that they block Specter from becoming chairman ever since he said Nov. 3 that President Bush would have a difficult time winning confirmation of any Supreme Court nominee who was eager to overturn the landmark 1973 Roe v. Wade decision legalizing abortion nationwide..Though the actual chairmanship vote will not take place until the new Congress convenes in January, Thursday's announcement appears to assure that Specter will survive the conservative onslaught. Committee Republicans have the first vote on the chairmanship, and their recommendation must then be approved by a majority of the 55 Republicans who will serve in the 109th Congress..Flanked by his fellow committee Republicans, Specter read a statement in which he said, "I have not and would not use a litmus test to confirm nominees.".CONGRESSIONAL QUARTERLY PHOTO BY SCOTT J. FERRELL« less